This spring, Montana NORML surveyed Montana's 2016 political candidates about their views on recreational marijuana, medical marijuana and reforming marijuana policies to make possession of small amounts a civil penalty rather than a criminal one. Each candidate's response to each question was scored and totaled. Candidates were further able to clarify their positions in comments. The highest total score possible was 6 and the lowest was -6. Montana NORML considers candidates scoring between 4 and 6 as supportive.

The candidates we consider supportive are in bold. We encourage you to contact the candidates in your districts for further information, particularly those who did not complete the survey. See 2016 Montana Political Candidates Survey for each of the questions we asked candidates, as well as the group's responses.

The bulk of Montana's candidates did not complete our survey, which left us to assess the voting records of those who have served in Montana's Legislature as well as the tedious task of researching candidates' public statements on the issue. Many candidates have not taken a public stance on this issue. If this applies to a candidate in your voting district, please ask them about their positions on marijuana. They are far more likely to share that information with a constituent. If at all possible, we have included links to support our assessments. If you are unable to determine a candidate's position entirely, keep in mind that Republicans tend to be less supportive of our cause than Democrats and Libertarians. This isn't always the case, however.

Generally, we have stated whether the candidate, if an established voting record is available:

supported or opposed SB 423 (the repeal in disguise that we are currently living under)

supported or opposed any other relevant legislation, like requiring warning labels on medical marijuana or requiring that welfare recipients be drug tested.

We've also taken into account public statements made by candidates, whether in legislative hearings or interviews.

Don't know if or where you are currently registered? Click here. The deadline to register by mail has passed but Montana law allows late registration in person up until 8:00 pm on Election Day.

Can't find candidates in your districts? Only contested races have been listed. If a candidate is running unopposed, we have not included it in this voter's guide.

If you are a candidate who disagrees with our assessment, have changed your stance since establishing a voting record, or have information to offer about your campaign or your opponent, please email nicole@montananorml.org. We will update accordingly.

Recently, Montana NORML surveyed Montana's 2016 political candidates about their views on recreational marijuana, medical marijuana and reforming marijuana policies to make possession of small amounts a civil penalty rather than a criminal one. Here are the aggregate results of our survey.

2014 was certainly an historic year for marijuana. Oregon and Alaska joined Colorado and Washington with legalized recreational marijuana in their states, as well as the District of Columbia and Portland, Maine. After failing seven times since 2003, Congress finally passed a spending bill prohibiting the Department of Justice, including the Drug Enforcement Agency, from interfering with state medical marijuana and hemp laws and the US Department of Justice recently instructed US attorneys not to enforce marijuana prohibition on tribal land. Voters in Utah, Maryland, Minnesota, and New York approved medical marijuana. Stigma is dissolving as laws and attitudes change- the President of the United States stated that he doesn't think marijuana is more dangerous than alcohol. CNN's chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta reversed his stance on prohibition, offering our movement high-profile credibility. More Americans identify tobacco, alcohol and sugar as more harmful than marijuana. Our momentum is only increasing and the associated policy shifts are inevitable.

By the end of 2017, marijuana could be legal in 15 states and the District of Columbia. Unfortunately, Montana fell $199,162.34 short of the $200,000 fundraising goal that would have enabled us to pass a tax and regulate ballot initiative for 2016. Barring new funding sources, Montana is unlikely to be one of the states legalizing before 2018 as we raised a meager total of only $837.66 in 2014. Our website costs $828.00 per year, of which I have paid personally since it was implemented. We've remained completely dependent on volunteers for design and tech assistance and have saved all of the money we raised. Had the organization paid the website fees alone, we would have netted less than $10.00 in 2014, not including the inevitable cost of tax preparation in the next month.

Besides economic challenges, marijuana in Montana is also facing legislative challenges. The state's biennial legislative session is slated to begin in early 2015. As of today, at least a dozen bills directly regarding marijuana are being drafted, some of which are sponsored by allies of our cause, who are unfortunately politically outnumbered in our legislature. The others, being drafted by known prohibitionists seeking to force welfare recipients to be drug tested, prohibiting marijuana rule-making by any agency in Montana, and affirming that "Schedule I drugs are illegal" (thank you, Senator David Howard) are troubling. No evidence has thus far indicated that this legislature will be any more receptive to thoughtful marijuana law reform than those in 2011 and 2013.

Montana NORML's all-volunteer board's resources were stretched incredibly thin throughout the year and it has at times been difficult to remain encouraged, but we are very appreciative of the support we've received and remain engaged and dedicated to this cause. We look forward to another fascinating year in marijuana law reform and are hopeful that Montanans are more interested in a ballot initiative in 2020 than they were for one in 2016. Marijuana isn't going to legalize itself.

Since the 70’s, NORML has been the voice for improving marijuana laws in the U.S., and now the Montana NORML chapter is seeking your help. We are currently looking for a volunteer for the following role:

Webmaster

This permanent, part-time position requires familiarity with basic web design, DNS, and knowledge of or ability to learn NationBuilder. Volunteers should expect to donate 1-3 hours per week to keep member-written content updated, ensure site functionality, and assist with database management.

Montana NORML needs to become an effective voice for regular citizens in our state. This takes a robust, broad-based group of like-minded individuals who are ready to end the failed war on marijuana. Montana has the talent — that talent needs the right environment to be heard. If you can help us build that organization, we want to hear from you!

Please contact us at nicole@montananorml.org if you are interested in this position.

The war on marijuana is now entering its final stages, and Montana NORML is gearing up to play its part. We are actively planning a voter initiative campaign for the 2016 presidential election that would tax and regulate marijuana for adults similar to Colorado’s program. We now have a financial commitment of over $500,000 toward that effort from a leading marijuana advocacy group interested in funding that campaign!

But it takes more than money, and there is much work to do. Real change can only happen if it is based on the time, energy and commitment of our supporters. In coming weeks, we will be asking for your help in forming and running several key groups to support our state-wide, multi-year campaign to put marijuana prohibition in the ground permanently.